There are many instances when you may need your resume and LinkedIn profile ready to share on short notice: you get a notification about a hiring event, you unexpectedly lose your job, someone calls with a job recommendation, and the list goes on. But are they ready to be shared at the drop of a dime?! We’ve compiled the top 5 reasons to keep your work history records current.
1. You’re Always Ready
Rushed resumes look rushed. Put your best foot forward by updating your resume regularly. This will guarantee that you are always prepared to provide a complete, well-written resume and eliminate the stress of trying to update it in a hurry. Looking for ways to improve your resume? Check out these {{cta(‘fb81fe17-79ff-4fe5-8757-779142349a78’)}}.
Your LinkedIn profile is accessible at any time, not just when you’re ready for people to view it. So, make sure they’re viewing current information. Additionally, recruiters are scouring LinkedIn every day; don’t miss an opportunity because your profile wasn’t up-to-date.
2. It’s Less Overwhelming
Staring at a blank page on a computer screen trying to articulately and succinctly sum up your career and accomplishments can be overwhelming. Even just determining what to add under the title of your last job can be a little stressful. Updating your resume and LinkedIn profiles little by little, as you go, makes the process much more manageable.
3. Be More Accurate
Adding your accomplishments, major projects, and awards as you go, even if they’re just jotted down as notes at the time, will not only make maintaining your resume easier, but will also ensure that you have accurate and complete information. It’s easy to forget dates and details and going back to search for them can be time consuming.
4. Search More Discretely
In many cases, it is wise to not disclose to your current employer that you are seeking other employment opportunities until you are ready to give appropriate notice. A {{cta(‘14181636-53e5-4f7c-95b2-bd52ff29160b’)}} is a surefire red flag to your employer and co-workers that you are looking for another job. At the same time, it is especially important that your profile is up-to-date when you’re on the job hunt. The best way to ensure it is ready without raising suspicion is to update it regularly.
5. Keep Up with Trends
Acceptable resume formats have been changing over the last decade. Resumes with a little color, more modern layouts, and even icons have become commonplace in many industries.
Revisiting your resume with some frequency will help keep formatting and appearance top of mind, ensuring you’re presenting the best version of your resume.
Hopefully, these tips have inspired you to dust off your resume and LinkedIn profile and get to editing! Here’s a little inspiration to get you started:
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Bonus tip: Create a folder to store originals or copies of documents, presentations, awards, and letters of recommendation that you would include in a portfolio. Add to it each time you add to your resume and LinkedIn so everything will be in one place when you are ready to interview or show off your skills. No more flipping through documents or searching inboxes and servers at the last minute!
